State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury on Sunday categorically stated that while media freedom exists in the country, anyone working against democracy or supporting terrorism will face legal action, regardless of their profession.
"We want to make one thing clear — there is freedom of mass media in the country. However, under existing laws, whoever acts against upholding democracy, attempts to destroy it, or works in favour of terrorism is not above the law. Action will be taken against them under the prevailing laws," the state minister said.
Chowdhury said this while responding to a supplementary question from National Citizen Party (NCP) MP Abul Hasnat (Hasnat Abdullah) during the question-and-answer session in Parliament.
In his supplementary question, Hasnat Abdullah emphasized the necessity of professional security for journalists, noting that many professional journalists had performed their duties with dedication even during the hostile environment of the past 17 years.
He asked: "What is the government thinking regarding those self-proclaimed journalists who, during the Awami League regime, legitimized and manufactured consent for forced disappearances, murders, vote rigging, bank robberies, and genocide?"
Reiterating the government's zero-tolerance policy against criminals, Yaser Khan Chowdhury replied, "Whether the criminal is a journalist, politician, businessman, or employee — no one is above the law. If anyone acts against the law, the BNP-led government will definitely take action against them under the existing laws."
Responding to another query from Netrokona-3 MP Rofiqul Islam Hilali regarding security risks faced by journalists investigating online gambling and cybercrimes, the State Minister disclosed that work is underway to update the guidelines for journalists working in online and digital media.
Directives are being formulated to ensure their recognition, registration, and professional security, he added.
Answering a question from Noakhali-2 MP Zainul Abdin Farroque, Chowdhury mentioned that a specialized team is actively working to monitor individuals spreading misinformation and disinformation on social media.
Furthermore, in response to a query from Cox's Bazar-3 MP Lutfur Rahman, the State Minister stated that a policy is being drafted for approving new online portals and digital media outlets. Future approvals for all online media and portals will be granted in light of this upcoming policy.
In separate written responses, Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon provided detailed statistics regarding the country's print media.
Replying to a query from BNP MP Nilofer Moni (Reserved Seat), the Minister informed the House that a total of 1,244 daily, weekly, and monthly periodicals are currently published from the capital, Dhaka.
Of those, 585 are daily newspapers with 288 are media-listed, weekly magazines are 363 (56 are media-listed), while 296 are Monthly Magazines with 23 are media-listed.
In response to a question from Jamalpur-3 MP Mostafizur Rahman Babul, the Information Minister stated that the current number of newspapers enlisted with the Department of Films and Publications (DFP) stands at 721.
Meanwhile, replying to Madaripur-3 MP Anisur Rahman, Minister Swapon announced that steps are being taken to amend the Press Council Act of 1974. The initiative aims to modernize the law, making the Press Council stronger, more effective, and more media-friendly to ensure the rights, security, and working environment of journalists.